Belleville Mennonite School is a patron's school. As such it does not have any direct organizational ties with a church or other organization, but is owned and operated by the patron body of the school. Governing authority is vested in a nine member Board of Trustees elected from the patron body, one-third of which are elected annually. A financial report of the year immediately past and a proposed budget for the upcoming school year are presented for approval at the annual patron's meeting each fall.

The chief administrative officer of the school is the Superintendent, who reports directly to the Board of Trustees and who is responsible for all areas of the school's operation.

Belleville Mennonite School was established in 1945 by a group of Amish and Mennonite ministers interested in providing a Christian education primarily for children of their churches. A Board of Trustees consisting of five members, with Clayton Hartzler as president was appointed for the operation of the school.

The first name given the school was Kishacoquillas Valley Christian Day School. In 1952, when the Constitution was first revised, the name was changed to Belleville Mennonite School.

Classes were first held in what was known as the old Dutch schoolhouse in White Hall with 29 students attending. John B. Kanagy was the first teacher.

The growth of the school was quite rapid with an enrollment the second year of eighty-three and the following year one hundred and thirty. A new three-room building was erected in the summer of 1946. In 1949, more room was needed and the front half of the recently destroyed high school building was erected. Later three classrooms were added to the high school building and a six room elementary building and cafeteria were built.

In February 1976, the high school building was completely destroyed by fire. But by summer, ground had been broken for a new structure. Although not fully completed, the new building was occupied less than a year later, in April 1977. The high school department was licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Instruction in the school term 1951-52. Today the school offers a quality curriculum and graduates are accepted by institutions of higher education for many different areas of study.

The educational philosophy of Belleville Mennonite School is based on the belief that all truth emanates from God; that it is revealed in the Bible and in the person of Jesus Christ, and that it may also be discovered through the sciences, the humanities and the arts. The Bible is accepted as God's inspired Word and is considered to be the final authority for faith and life.

God created the universe and all of life to bring glory to Him. This was especially true of man who was created in God's image. Sin broke that relationship with God; which can only be restored through personal acceptance of the redemption offered by Christ. The restored love relationship with Christ, lived through the power of the Holy Spirit, results in the healing of relationships with others.

Education then is understood to be that entire process whereby persons are guided in developing a comprehensive life orientation which is centered on God and which is based on both revealed and discoverable truth. The primary responsibility for this task belongs to parents. At their request, the Christian school becomes a partner in providing this education. Thus, Belleville Mennonite School purposes to educate toward academic excellence for such a life orientation. The school has been established to offer children and young people, regardless of denomination, race or national origin, a high quality Christian education.

From this philosophy flows aims and objectives:

1. For the spiritual and moral growth of our students, we seek:
   • a. to teach the Bible as God's inspired Word and to develop attitudes of love and respect toward it.
   • b. to lead each student to a personal relationship with Christ as Savior and as Lord of all life.
   • c. to impart an understanding of each Christian's place in the church and its worldwide task of witness, evangelism and discipline.
   • d. to communicate an understanding of, and develop an appreciation for, the Anabaptist-Mennonite heritage and interpretation of faith.
   • e. to encourage the development of self-discipline and responsibility in the student, based on respect for God and God-given authority.
   • f. to help the student develop his or her own integrated view of life which recognizes the Lordship of Christ in all creation and history.
   • g. to teach that all human life is sacred, beginning at conception and ending only at God's command.
   • h. to instruct moral standards of purity leading the student into a clear understanding that sexual involvement is reserved for marriage in which one man and one woman are committed to each other for life.
   • i. to assist the student towards healthy concepts of Christian parenting and that parenting is a high calling of God that requires, love, strength, courage and commitment.
2. For the personal and social growth of students, we aim:
   • a. to help students develop a proper understanding, acceptance and respect for themselves and for others as unique individuals created in the image of God.
   • b. to encourage and equip the student to function as a responsible member of the larger Christian community, which includes the home, the school and the church.
   • c. to encourage students to set high, but realistic goals for themselves and to provide the necessary skills and personal support to help them achieve these goals.
   • d. to stimulate students to see education as a life long process of inquiry and personal growth and to understand that such a view is not in conflict with acceptance of God's truth as revealed in the Bible.
   • e. to encourage students to make decisions, and to develop their personal lifestyle, from a stance of faith in Christ.
   • f. to stimulate the development of a service orientation in lifestyle and vocational choice.
   • g. to help students develop a respect for the rights and opinions of others at all levels of relationships.
   • h. to foster an appreciation of our nation and government while engendering a view of mankind in which the brotherhood of the body of Christ transcends national, cultural, and racial barriers.
3. For the intellectual development and academic preparation of students, we aim:
   • a. to promote high academic standards that are consistent with each student's potential.
   • b. to aid each student in acquiring high levels of proficiency in the fundamental communication processes of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
   • c. to offer a curriculum which will adequately prepare students for further education (college, technical/trade school, training) and with employment skills.
   • d. to develop creative and critical thinking skills including the logical defense of our faith (apologetics).
   • e. to motivate students to pursue independent study in areas of interest and to provide them with the necessary traditional research skills and the use of the internet.
   • f. to develop an awareness and an understanding of man's role in God's creation and of his responsibility to be a good steward of Earth's resources.
   • g. to develop an understanding and an appreciation of the fine arts through exposure and participation.

Parents and students who are sympathetic to the objectives and purposes of Belleville Mennonite School are invited to apply for admission. Admission of a student into school means that the parents or guardians automatically become members of the patron body with the responsibilities and rights that go along with such membership. Procedures for admission are as follows:

1. An application must be obtained from the office, completed, and returned to the Superintendent.
2. The parents are interviewed by the Admissions Committee. The committee will make recommendation to the Board of Trustees who will then determine acceptance to the patron body and school.

Minimum requirements for admission include:

1. A commitment of cooperation with the school shall be made by the student and parent. It is expected that at least one parent be a Christian, be an active participant in a Bible-believing church and accept the basic doctrines of the school's Statement of Faith.
2. Capacity to do the course work as evidenced by test scores or other satisfactory evidence.
3. Transfer students shall have no discipline action, either pending or final, barring them from returning to the school previously attended.

We believe that discipline in the home and the school is essentially the process whereby children and young people are helped to achieve self-discipline and to develop behavior that is responsive to God, to others and to themselves. We see this as a growth process in which children achieve more and more self-control as they mature and grow older. Our responsibility as a school is to assist the parents in encouraging this internal growth to take place. Firm, fair and consistent discipline is an important part of this process.

We believe that children need to be taught early and often of God's love as well as His justice. We also need to teach respect for God and for God-given authority as well as for oneself and others. Since the Christian school is an extension of the home, the school assumes the responsibility for such teaching and training during the time the child is in school. Thus, the school reinforces the values that we believe are already being taught in the home. Each teacher is expected to provide clearly defined classroom behavior guidelines intended to provide a positive, motivating atmosphere.

The following steps represent a sequence of actions for dealing with discipline problems. In all cases action taken will be aimed at helping the student develop self-discipline and to assume responsibility for his or her behavior.

• I. Minor Offenses

  Definition: Disruptive behavior such as interrupting class activities, unnecessary talking, disturbing others, etc.

  • Step 1 - Student is made aware of the offense.

    The teacher will make the student aware of the offense by simple eye contact, verbal reminder or asking the student to verbalize what he or she is doing. If there is no immediate response, the teacher will proceed with mild disciplinary action and/or arrange to talk with the student after class.

  • Step 2 - Understanding between student and teacher.

    If the disruptive behavior continues, the teacher and student will meet again and review behavior expectations so they are clearly understood by the student. If inappropriate behavior continues the teacher may give a demerit/detention, remove the student from class or take other disciplinary action.

  • Step 3 - Teacher consults with parents.

    The teacher informs parents by a written note or telephone call. This is to enlist the aid of parents in encouraging the student to develop more positive behavior. At this time a conference between teacher and parents may be called by either party if they feel this would be helpful or appropriate and a written behavior management plan may agreed upon.

• II. Major Offenses

  Definition: Chronic or continued minor offenses, insolence and continued disrespect of teacher, harassment of others, disobedience, cheating, lying, stealing, vandalism, obscenities, lewd or immoral actions, continued disruptive or other inappropriate behavior, including chronic or accumulated minor offenses.

  • Step 4 - Conference with principal, parents, teacher and student.

    After a major offense or continued misbehavior of minor offenses, the teacher will be in counsel with the building leader and/or Superintendent and if it is agreed that the situation warrants it, a conference with all parties will be arranged. Every effort will be made to find resolution to the issues at hand, to agree on a plan of behavior modification consistent with the rules of the school and to solicit the support of the parents to partner with the school in the discipline of the student.

  • Step 5 - In-school Suspension

    Should all efforts at discipline prove to be ineffective, the Superintendent is empowered to suspend the student for up to three days. Parents will be notified immediately. This action will usually be taken as a result of consultation between the Superintendent and faculty involved with the student. In-school suspension requires the student to work on class assignments in isolation and not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activities including practice.

  • Step 6 - Long term suspension, probation or expulsion.

    Should problems continue to go unresolved, the School Board and the Administrative Council will be in consultation with parents and a decision made as to further action. This may include long-term suspension, probation, expulsion, or some combination of these. Any measures taken in step six must be the result of official action by the Board or its Executive Committee.

    If an offense is particularly flagrant or reprehensible, it shall be the option of the administration to directly go to step four or five without necessarily proceeding through any of the previous steps. Should this be necessary, the administration will be in immediate contact with the parents if possible.

  • Unlawful or Illegal Activity

    The steps outlined above may not apply in the event of illegal or unlawful behavior on the part of the student. If this occurs the state or local authorities will be notified and the school will cooperate with them regarding the proper course of action.

Belleville Mennonite School is committed to providing a safe and caring learning environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The school seeks to follow the commands of Jesus Christ as stated in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 22, verses 37-39.

Harassment is a form of discrimination and therefore is unacceptable. For the purposes of this policy, harassment is synonymous with the terms intimidation, bullying, taunting, teasing, and bugging.

Definition
Harassment includes behavior which may be verbal, physical, deliberate, unsolicited or unwelcome; it may be one incident or a series of incidents. Harassment may include:

a. verbal abuse or threats;
b. negative remarks, jokes, and innuendoes including taunts about a person’s body, attire, age, gender, ethnic or national origin, socio-economic status, religion;
c. displaying of pornographic, racist or other offensive or derogatory pictures or slogans;
d. practical jokes which cause awkwardness, embarrassment or result in negative consequences;
e. sexual invitations, request or demands, whether indirect or explicit;
f. inappropriate gestures;
g. intimidation to participate in unlawful or unethical activity or to participate in activities which contradict school and/or board policy;
h. unwelcome physical contact; and/or coercing or influencing third parties to harass others.

Regulations
1. Belleville Mennonite School shall have measures in place to prevent harassment, which include one or more of the following:

a. school policy development on related topics to be communicated to students, parents, and staff;
b. a program designed to develop and maintain positive school climate;
c. conflict resolution or peer mediation programs;
d. access to a guidance counselor or campus 0pastor;
e. special presentations on relevant topics.

Procedures
First Offense
Complaint of harassment should be directed to the school administration. Reporting is intended to help the victim and the first concern of the superintendent will be the needs of the victim. Whether the situation is a result of a misunderstanding or not, those involved must agree to cease any offensive behavior. The complainant must be willing to supply names, dates, and circumstances, and must expect that the superintendent will inform the offender of the allegations. The superintendent will interview those involved and assess the situation. The superintendent will take notes and may contact the parents.
NOTE: If the initial situation is of a serious nature, the process outline under the Second or Third Offense could be implemented immediately.

Second Offense
Upon the second violation, the superintendent will take a written statement from the complainant which includes names, dates, and circumstances. The superintendent will inform the offender, complainant and the parents of the situation and consequences of any further harassment.
NOTE: If the second offense is of a serious nature, the process outlined under the Third Offense could be implemented immediately.

Third Offense
On the third offense the student will be suspended until the parents of the offender make an appointment and meet with the school administration at which time the case will be reviewed. Following this the student will be re-instated, suspended or recommended for expulsion.

After a Third Offense and after a student has been re-instated, or after a student returns from a suspension, further offenses will be dealt with under the provisions of the Third Offense.

DRUGS

Possession or use of illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, or the abuse of medication on or off campus will result in an automatic suspension. Students whose drug abuse is discovered as a result of school initiatives may be disciplined with a recommendation of expulsion. Students who contact the school in a voluntary manner regarding their drug abuse will not be expelled unless the role was on of sale or distribution. Any students involved in, or possibly involved in drug abuse, will be disciplined by the school and required to submit to a school-mandated drug screen at the family's expense. Failure to comply will result in a recommendation for expulsion. Depending on the extent of the usage, the school may require additional assessments and remediation efforts.

ALCOHOL

Possession or use of alcohol on or off campus will result in an automatic suspension. Students whose alcohol use is discovered by the school, or who are involved in providing alcohol for others, may be recommended for expulsion. Students who contact the school in a voluntary manner will be disciplined by the school and required to participate in an addiction screening evaluation at the family's expense. Failure to comply with this request will result in a recommendation for expulsion. Depending on the extent of the usage, the school may require additional assessments and remediation efforts.

TOBACCO

The possession or use of tobacco is forbidden on or off campus. Students who violate this standard will be suspended from school. Failure to comply with such requests will result in a recommendation for expulsion. Depending on the extent of the usage, the school may require additional assessments and remediation efforts.

Unlawful or Illegal Activity

The steps outlined above may not apply in the event of illegal or unlawful behavior on the part of the student. If this occurs the state or local authorities will be notified and the school will cooperate with them regarding the proper course of action.

Attendance rules are established by the State Department of Public Education. BMS must keep accurate records and make attendance reports to the local school districts in which students reside. Enforcement is the responsibility of the public school districts.

CLASSIFICATION OF ABSENCES

1. Excused Absences

   Pupils may legally be absent because of personal illness, quarantine, impassable roads, death in immediate family, or other compelling situations directly affecting the child. Advance written requests for excused absences in special cases, such as family trips, religious observances, interviews, college visits, etc., should be submitted to the principal at least one week in advance. To be excused, these absences must be approved by the administration. Family trips should include historical, geographical or cultural activities. Students are responsible for work missed and should make arrangements with the teachers at least one week before leaving. Parents are urged to carefully weigh the consequences of lost instructional time. Any such absence extending beyond five days requires board approval and should be requested even further in advance of the trip.

2. Unexcused Absences

   Absences of students under the age of 17 resulting from reasons other than those listed above are considered unlawful (illegal, unexcused) according to compulsory attendance regulations. Students under 17 with three days of unexcused absences will be reported to the school authorities of the district in which the student resides. The local school superintendent of that district will serve the parents with a "first notice." This notice informs the parents of the unexcused absences and of their liability for prosecution should further offenses occur. Notices will also be sent home from the BMS office.

   Parents are responsible for exercising whatever reasonable supervision and control is necessary for their child to maintain regular attendance.

3. Returning to School Following Absence

   When a student returns to school following an absence he/she should bring with him/her a note from the parents stating the reason for the absence. Elementary students should take these notes to their classroom teacher who forwards them to the main office. Middle and high school students should take these notes to the main office before homeroom in the morning. If a note is not received by the third day after the absence, the absence is considered unexcused.

4. Arriving Late

   State law requires that a tardiness record be kept of each student. A student who reports to the office after 8:05 a.m. is considered tardy. Any time a student accumulates six unexcused tardies a half day unexcused absence will be recorded on the attendance record. A student who reports after 10:00 a.m. is no longer considered tardy but will be charged for one-half day absence. A student who reports to school after 1:15 p.m. will be charged with a whole day absence.

5. Leaving Early

   Any student who needs to leave school early should bring a note from the parents and give it to the classroom teacher (elementary) or take it to the office (middle and high school). Any student who leaves before 10:00 a.m. will be recorded as absent for the whole day. A half day absence will be recorded for any student leaving between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A record will be kept of students leaving school after 2:00 p.m. but no absence will be recorded.

We believe that education is a cooperative venture between the home and the school, and are committed to establishing and maintaining free and clear channels of communication. Several avenues of communication are used by the school including Newsday, a biweekly newsletter sent home with a child and available on the school website, parent-teacher conferences scheduled each fall and many less formal contacts such as phone calls and notes. Parents are urged to remain in close contact with their child's teachers and with the school administration.

When school problems arise, parents are asked to contact the school persons involved directly, rather than discussing it with others who are not concerned with the problem. Parents who would like to confer with a teacher should contact the teacher in advance to set up a mutually convenient time. Teachers may be contacted by phone immediately after school or at home before 9:00 p.m. Parents are welcome to visit classes with prior notice to the teacher.

Resolutions of Grievances

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for settling complaints or misunderstandings that involve members of the school community. The complaints may involve

• only employees
  
• employees including the superintendent
  
• employees and board members, and or
  
• employees and patrons.
  

It is urged that an honest attempt be made by the parties to settle the complaint before involving the administration and/or the board. This is in accordance with Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” (NIV).

This policy also incorporates the principles of Matthew 18:15-17 in the resolution of grievances. Both Christian and professional ethics make imperative the handling of grievances in the methods prescribed, rather than openly and publicly airing them.

If an attempt to settle the complaint fails, complaints shall be handled as follows:

1. The complaint, regardless of the parties involved, shall be referred to the superintendent for an initial decision. Thus, employees, board members and patrons are all expected to bring their complaints to the attention of the superintendent (even if the complaint involves the superintendent), before involving the board. The superintendent shall provide a timely decision. If the complaint involves the superintendent, the superintendent may, but is not required to, defer to the board for a decision.
   
2. Any decision made by the superintendent may be appealed by any directly affected party to the board.
   
3. Any party may also appeal to the board if the superintendent fails to make a decision within a reasonable period of time. Written notice of the appeal shall be given to any officer of the board, but preferably the Chair. The notice shall briefly explain the problem and what action, if any, that the party would like the board to take. The board shall take such steps as may be appropriate to obtain the views of the involved parties and the superintendent, and shall promptly issue a final decision.
   

A copy of this policy shall be posted in the faculty lounge or such other place that will bring it to the attention of the faculty and staff.

Classroom Observation
To avoid conflicts with testing, field trips, etc., any parents who wish to observe a classroom will contact the teacher of their child (at least forty-eight hours in advance) and arrange for a date and time of day for the visit. Parents and teachers should discuss the particular objectives of the observation, review the teacher's guidelines for the parent and agree on the length of observation (Observation is to be limited to one hour unless otherwise arranged.)

On arrival at the school, parents must check in at the office to secure an identification tag. This tag is to be worn at all times while on campus.

Lunch Visitation
Any parents who wish to eat lunch with their child will contact the teacher and the office 24 hours in advance. Siblings and other persons are not to accompany parents. An identification tag must be worn and can be obtained at the office.

There are many ways in which parents participate in the operation of the school. Not only does this help control costs but it is also a source of blessing for those who become involved in this way. Some ways by which parents may participate are listed below.

1. School Lunch Helpers

   The head cook, assistance cooks, and cafeteria cashier are paid employees. All other cafeteria helpers are volunteers. Since most helpers are able to volunteer only on an occasional basis, many different persons are needed to maintain the operation of the lunch program. Opportunity to sign up will be given early in the school year.

2. Public Suppers and Banquets

   A committee coordinates a fall and spring public supper and serves numerous banquets throughout the year. These are fund-raising projects that require a great deal of volunteer help as well as donations of pies and cakes. All inquiries concerning public suppers and banquets should be directed to the Director of Development.

3. School Sale

   Held annually in the spring of the year, this is a major fund-raising project for the school. Persons can help with this effort by contributing new or good used items, gift certificates, baked goods or craft items. Calf sales are an important feature of the sale every other year. Good publicity and active participation are vital for the success of this sale.

4. Faith Promise Dinner

   Held annually the Faith Promise Dinner provides an opportunity for individuals, churches and businesses to financially support BMS ministry. Each dinner is held in October with a program that includes a guest speaker. During the program those in attendance are given opportunity to contribute financially to the ministry. The contributions are in the form of monetary gifts and or promises of financial gifts throughout the year. Almost 7% of the school's budget comes from faith promise contributions.

5. Annual Patrons' Meeting

   The annual business meeting of the school patron body is held each October. This is the meeting during which reports are heard from the Board of Trustees, the various subcommittees of the board, and the school administration. The budget for the past year is reviewed, the proposed budget for the upcoming year is presented for approval. It is also during this meeting that proposed changes in the Constitution or By-Laws may be accepted or rejected by the patron body. Participation of all patrons in this meeting is strongly encouraged.

We believe that well dressed and neatly groomed students increases student morale and positive attitudes throughout the school. The basis for Belleville Mennonite School's policy rests on the following Christian principles: (1) Our bodies are temples of God. (I Corinthians 6:18-20), (2) dress should be modest and consistent with a Christian commitment (I Timothy 2:9,10) and (3) clothing choice reflects good stewardship of resources. The following guidelines are a reflection of the standards of the Christian patron body and considered appropriate campus attire.

BOYS

• Clean pants or jeans in good repair.
• Clean and appropriately-sized shirts (grip length or longer tucked)
• Footwear is to be worn at all times.

GIRLS

• Modest dresses, skirts and split skirts that resemble a full skirt.
• Clean pants or jeans in good repair.
• Tops and blouses of sufficient length and neckline that is considered modest during normal movement and activity in the classroom.
• Footwear is to be worn at all times.

THE FOLLOWING ATTIRE IS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE AND MAY NOT BE WORN.

• Earrings for boys
• Midriffs visible during normal movement and activity throughout the school day both in and out of the classroom
• Shorts (PreK-12)
• Sleeveless tops, tank tops or crop tops; sheer, tight or revealing garments
• Mid-thigh skirts or dresses (seated or standing) or mini-skirts
• Sweatpants or stretch pants (grades 1-12)
• Camouflaged and military type clothing or insignia
• Shirts with graphics depicting sports or music heroes or anything that undermines basic Christian values.

Policy

Classroom helpers serve primarily as assistants for a particular class during class parties or other special occasions. Responsibilities might include such things as working with the teacher to plan parties, contacting other parents about refreshments or supplies, and helping supervise activities. Classroom helpers generally serve in a class in which they have children of their own. Early each year or as the need arises, parents will be given the opportunity to volunteer for these positions and the teacher will then contact the helpers when needed.